Korea, the country that changed my life – Case Study – Caitlin Manchester
With my first full year here in Seoul coming to an end, I can’t believe how far I’ve come in just 12 months. When I first arrived in Korea, I was so nervous about my future in this new country. Whether I would like it, whether I could learn the language well enough, whether this would ever truly feel like home… needless to say, I worried for nothing!
Nearly 12 months on, and I’m happy to say I’m flourishing here. Seoul has become a true home, somewhere I feel like I belong even as a foreigner. Having complete four levels of language school, currently finishing the highest level at the moment, I’m more than proud of how my language skills have grown. Whether it’s academic writing or colloquial speaking, I’m far more confident in my own abilities (not to say there are no mistakes, but that’s all part of the process!). Having made many a friend who is willing to speak Korean with me has undoubtedly helped in this, leading me to be comfortable in any situation that comes my way.
If anyone else is considering coming to Korea, I simply can not recommend it enough. This country is not only stunning in its landscape and culinary diversity, but rich in culture, history and kindness. Stepping outside of the cities and visiting lesser known regions such as Yeongwol or Hwacheon, you can see a variety of unique views (such as the Yoseonam rock formations) or incredibly unique festivals (tomato festival anyone?) which further give an insight into the depth of life in Korea. These places seem to run slightly slower than the cities, with an indescribable warmth and hospitality.
But more than travelling to new places (as incredible as they are) or splashing out on expensive experiences, it’s the everyday life here that I’ve truly fallen in love with. Going to karaoke on a random whim, eating at street side stalls or grabbing a quick kimbap on the way to class, being surrounded by Korean in every situation. This place has grown into a country I don’t think I want to leave, and is somewhere I’m happy to call my home. Korea is the kind of country where even leaving the house and just walking down the street, I find myself wondering how I ended up in such an amazing and unique place.
And I truly want to give the biggest thanks to the Trust for this opportunity! Without their support this year would have been far more difficult, and I may not have considered it at all. Furthermore, their help in giving feedback on my writings not only gave me the opportunity to learn from errors, but also the motivation to try harder and always do better than before. Having these writings as a record, I found myself looking back at the first month I arrived, overwhelmed by how much I have improved.
I can’t overstate the importance and value of learning Korean. Being able to speak with anyone and everyone opens up incredible opportunities that I wouldn’t have had otherwise! Whether it’s being invited to random events, making friends on the streets or even being welcomed into someone’s home as if you are their own family, it wouldn’t be possible if I couldn’t communicate with them. Thinking back on myself a year ago who would stumble over a single sentence, to now holding fluent(ish!) conversations, there’s an indescribable feeling of both pride and disbelief.
Of course life abroad is not just sunshine and rainbows, but being able to overcome those challenges and difficulties is what truly helps you grow into yourself and learn more about yourself a person. It’s pushed me to be more resilient, learn to adapt to any change or circumstance, to trust myself and believe that I can overcome anything that comes my way.
And in that essence, I can happily say that Korea is not merely a country or a language, but somewhere I can call home. It’s somewhere I’ve made life long friends, challenged myself, discovered more about who I am. And to me, that’s irreplaceable.